Internet cookies from Uncle Sam. Internet privacy campaigner Jason Catlett. In the news today, America Online it will appeal a judge's order allowing hourly AOL subscribers to pursue a class-action suit over allegedly excessive billing charges caused by pop-up advertisements. The lawsuit claims at least 2.5 million subscribers have been overcharged between $15 million to $20 million because pop-up ads appeared after they began to pay for additional time beyond their monthly limits, effectivley forcing subscribers to pay for the privilege of reading unwelcome ads.